Family Dynamics, Social Networks, and the Labour Market Integration of Refugees and Migrants In Europe

Over the past two decades, the labor market integration of refugees and other migrants has become one of the key political and social challenges facing European societies. While a growing body of research has documented substantial variation in employment trajectories across countries, generations, and over time, the role of family dynamics and social networks in shaping these outcomes remains less well understood. This session examines how family structures, life-course transitions, and social networks influence migrants’ labor market integration, with particular attention to human capital investment, employment, and occupational mobility. Contributions explore the mechanisms through which family relationships and social ties facilitate or constrain labor market opportunities, including partnership dynamics, family reunification, the division of labor within households, caregiving responsibilities, and the development and mobilization of social networks, particularly bridging ties. The session also considers how these mechanisms shape short- and long-term integration strategies and vary across migrant generations. A central objective is to foster comparative perspectives across refugee and migrant groups and institutional settings. European countries differ considerably in their welfare regimes, integration policies, and labor market institutions, potentially shaping family arrangements, access to social resources, and opportunities for economic integration. Bringing together diverse theoretical perspectives and quantitative analyses of survey and administrative data, the session seeks to advance our understanding of the social and institutional mechanisms underlying migrants’ labor market trajectories.